The wait continues for Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders — and it could be longer than expected.
Cleveland officially turned to rookie Dillon Gabriel on Wednesday, naming him the starter in place of 40-year-old Joe Flacco, who opened the season under center.
Despite his struggles, Flacco will slide into the No. 2 role, while Sanders remains buried as the team’s third option and limited to emergency duties on game days. Sanders will suit up but officially inactive, only able to enter unless Gabriel and Flacco are injured.
At first glance, Gabriel’s promotion might seem like a positive sign for Sanders, who should be next in line if the former Oregon star struggles. But that may not be the case.
According to Zac Jackson of The Athletic, Cleveland could look to elevate Bailey Zappe from the practice squad before handing the reins to Sanders.
Maybe a month or two from now, a Browns roster with 13 rookies might be well out of contention, and the organization will fully focus on the future. Eventually, there could be another shift and maybe even some game time for Sanders,” Jackson said. “As of now, though, Cleveland would much more likely promote Bailey Zappe from the practice squad than put Sanders on the field. But the Browns are changing quarterbacks ahead of their intended schedule because they’re trying to make something of this season.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Speechless After Starter Swap
The Browns made their quarterback switch official on Wednesday, turning to Gabriel after a 1-3 start. Sanders had a noticeably muted reaction — literally.
When asked about the move, he mouthed his responses in silence rather than speaking. He could have declined to meet with reporters altogether, but instead chose a quiet form of protest.
The approach appeared to be a response to the criticism he received last week after openly declaring he was ready to play.
“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders said. “(There’s) obviously a lot of teams would be playing me, but that’s not in God’s plan right now. And some things happen for a reason and I’m a true believer in that. And whatever his plan for me is I believe in it. So I don’t be stressed or feel bad that I’m in the situation I’m in right now. It’s just funny to me and I just enjoy it.”
Sanders was called out by former NFL head coach Rex Ryan following the comments.
“Something’s missing with this kid. This kid talks and he runs his mouth,” Ryan said. “Quit being an embarrassment that way.”
Deshaun Watson Also Lurking for Browns
The Browns also have Deshaun Watson lurking as a potential option for later in the year. Watson is currently rehabbing from a pair of Achilles surgeries but is expected to be ready to practice sometime this month.
Watson is on the physically unable to perform list but is eligible to return after missing the first four weeks of the season. Browns coach Kevin Stefanski declined to give a clear update on Watson’s status.
“Deshaun’s doing a great job with his rehab, and that’s really where his focus is,” Stefanski said.
The Browns head to London this week to take on the Minnesota Vikings.
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